To see old Google Street View images on a computer, open Street View at a location (drag the yellow Pegman onto a street, or click a street-level photo), then click See more dates (the clock icon) in the box at the top left. A row of thumbnails appears at the bottom, each labeled with a month and year. Click one to view that date. In the Google Maps app, open Street View and tap See more dates near the bottom of the screen.
Historical imagery isn’t available everywhere. Here’s how to use it on each device and what to do if you don’t see older dates.
How to see old Street View on a computer
- Go to google.com/maps and search for an address.
- Drag the yellow Pegman icon (bottom right) onto a blue-highlighted street. Or click the Street View photo on the place’s info panel.
- In the box at the top left, click See more dates. On some versions, you’ll see a clock icon with the capture date instead.
- Scroll through the thumbnails at the bottom and click a date.
- Look around and move as usual. The date stays selected until you pick another one.
How to see old Street View on iPhone or Android
- Open the Google Maps app and find a location.
- Tap the Street View thumbnail, or tap the layers button and turn on Street View, then tap a blue line.
- Tap See more dates at the bottom of the screen.
- Pick a date from the list.
Google added historical Street View to the mobile apps in 2022. If you don’t see the option, update the Google Maps app.
How to see even older aerial images
Google Earth Pro for desktop (free) has a historical imagery slider for satellite and aerial photos, some going back decades. Download it, search for a place, and click the clock icon in the toolbar to open the time slider. This shows the view from above, not street-level photos.
Why don’t I see older dates?
- Only one capture exists. Many rural roads have been photographed only once.
- You’re on a user-uploaded photo sphere, not official Google imagery. Those don’t have a timeline. Look for gray (not blue) lines, or move a few steps along the street.
- Imagery was removed for privacy requests, such as blurred homes.
- Older app version. Update Google Maps, or use a computer.
Fun ways to use historical Street View
- See how your neighborhood or childhood home has changed.
- Check what a business or property looked like before renovations.
- Find past road layouts or signs.
For more Google Maps tips, see how to add a 360 view in Google Maps.
Related: unblur a house on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
How far back does Google Street View go?
Street View launched in 2007, so the oldest imagery in most places is from around 2007 to 2009.
How often is Street View updated?
It varies. Busy city streets may be updated every year or two, while rural roads may go many years between captures.
Can I request new Street View photos?
Not for a specific address. Google publishes a general schedule of where its cars are driving. You can also upload your own 360 photos.
Can I blur my house on Street View?
Yes. In Street View, click Report a problem at the bottom right and choose what to blur. This is permanent and applies to current imagery.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.